KABUL, Afghanistan — At 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 5, International Security Assistance Forces identified four insurgents in the Arghandab District in Kandahar province. The insurgents were in open ground with no residential areas in the vicinity. The insurgents were carrying weapons and plastic jugs and were identified as possibly emplacing improvised explosive devices in an area known for IED attacks.
ISAF engaged the insurgents with rockets and small arms fire from a helicopter, killing the insurgents. A large secondary explosion was observed at the point of impact indicating explosive material was in the insurgent's possession. No bombs were dropped.
It is ISAF policy to take all measures possible to avoid civilian casualties. In this case, the insurgents that were targeted were in the possession of a large amount of weaponry and explosives that would be used against ISAF, Afghan national security forces and Afghan civilians.
ISAF is conducting a full investigation of this incident.
ISAF deplores the use of improvised explosive devices due to their indiscriminate nature causing death and injuries to innocent Afghan civilians.